Morgan: Movie Review

If you watched the trailers for the new sci-fi/thriller “Morgan”, you might think it looks like an interesting blend of “Species” and “Splice”. Two fun and highly entertaining films centered on a non-human female killing machines. Unfortunately, there is absolutely nothing going on here.  “Morgan” is about as dull as you can get and it’s a shame because it sports a stellar cast.  I was a fan of Anya Taylor-Joy in last year’s “The Witch”, even though I was mixed on the film itself.  The rest of the cast includes Kate Mara, Toby Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Paul Giamatti in an extended cameo.

Corporate troubleshooter Lee Weathers (Mara) is sent out to a top-secret research facility to investigate an incident that left one of the employees seriously injured.  The project in question is a genetically engineered human-like girl named Morgan (Taylor-Joy). During a moment of rage, Morgan attacked Dr. Kathy Grieff (Leigh) and Weathers must determine if the project can be continued or should Morgan be terminated?

The problem with “Morgan” is that is just never goes anywhere interesting or new. There is a whole lot of talk and very little action. By the film’s mid-way point, I found myself wishing Morgan would turn into a violent killing machine and begin ripping people apart, just to break up the tedium.  The only time I found myself remotely entertained was when Giamatti showed up to give Morgan a psych evaluation. That is easily “Morgans” best moment.

“Morgan” tries to come off as an intelligent piece of sci-fi, but it fails big time.  The final act is poorly executed and the so-called “Surprise Twist” can be figured out in the film’s early moments.  Don’t waste your time with this one.

By: Marc Ferman